Staff departing Gunn reflect on memories, anticipate future plans

AP Environmental Science and chemistry teacher Eric Ledgerwood is retiring after 20 years of teaching at Gunn. During his tenure, his favorite part of teaching has been the opportunity to meet new students each year. “Without a doubt, the students that I’ve had over the years are some of the brightest and most incredible, joyful human beings to be around,” he said. Ledgerwood appreciates the...

After 24 years at Gunn—28 total with the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD)—registrar and former math and science department secretary Tracy Douglas will retire this year. As the registrar, Douglas’ tasks are multifarious and require a penchant for organization and reliability. “My world revolves around transcripts, grades, credits, records, Infinite Campus and Parchment [a digital...

English teacher Marc Igler is retiring after teaching at Gunn for 21 years, coaching the boys’ golf team for nine years and being an active member in the Palo Alto Educators Association. After working as a newspaper reporter, Igler began his teaching career at Gunn. Since then, he has never thought of working anywhere else. “I’ve worked at places before that are lousy,” he said. “Gunn...

Social studies teacher, football coach and Social Justice Pathway instructor Jason Miller is leaving after teaching at Gunn for almost five years. As an advocate for equality, he has nurtured both his students and the Social Justice Pathway program to have open minds and always do what is right. Miller looks forward to working alongside his family in the future though making the decision to leave...

French 1 and 2 and former Spanish teacher Charlotte Kaufman is leaving after two years of teaching at Gunn. During her tenure, Kaufman has been an approachable face on campus. “Students can tell that I enjoy spending time with them and I genuinely care about them,” she said. Her teaching approach builds her students’ real-world language and cultural skills. Instead of using the textbook,...

Social studies teacher Lynne Navarro is retiring this year after teaching for 25 years at Gunn. Navarro currently teaches Positive Psychology, but throughout the years, she has taught a multitude of classes including U.S. History, American Studies, Focus on Success and Spanish. Navarro remembers a stand-out moment from her time teaching American Studies. “We got to take students on field trips...